I freaked out a while back, because I learned something in therapy about why I work so hard all the time.
Wondering Who We Are Later in Life
When a Character Becomes Real
Really Excited About This Upcoming Novel!
You all know I lost two years of writing due to intense family drama. But now everything’s settled and I’m back! My stand-alone novel, We Did This Once Before, is at the editor’s and the cover designer is ready to jump on it when I say the word. The novel is about a midlife woman who agrees to move back in with her ailing mother but then realizes she’s going to have to fight all over again for her independence. The novel asks how much of ourselves we’re willing to give, how much of our lives must be sacrificed for others, and how do you decide? Launching soon! To see all my books, please visit my book page on Amazon.
Have You Been Waiting Long?
You’ve probably noticed I’m not that reliable with blogging lately. After ten years (!), I’ve decided to move exclusively to my monthly newsletter. It’s more personal, because it’s more private. It’s friendly and upbeat. You’ll find news about my books and appearances, but also helpful tips for navigating your middle-aged life. For being happy.
You’ll also find recommendations about other authors who write about midlife characters. I love doing book reviews about characters who are over forty. If the book is good, I’ll share it with you.
So let’s stay in touch. Sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll email you once a month. It’ll be just like a post but more personal.
Thinking about it? I hope you do. Here’s how:
Click here to receive my monthly newsletters.
Even Great Authors Have to Start Somewhere
The Bright Side Of Disaster by Katherine Center
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Katherine Center is one of my fave authors, but I this was an earlier work, and it’s not as good as her others. But even great authors have to start somewhere.
On the plus side, the main character, Jenny, is root-worthy and relatable. My first marriage was to a guy pretty much like Dean. I get it. I understand how being young and overwhelmed can lead to bad choices. Also, Jenny’s mom was a normal, good person and the subplot worked to support the main story line. Her depiction of her dad was so poignant. He was a rich, successful, charismatic loser whom she loved without qualification.
On the negative: structurally, I thought this book felt “off.” The crisis and Jenny’s bad decision-making came pretty late. Also, too many of her solutions were in the form of other people stepping in to help her/save her. (The Meredith reappearance just at the right time was weak, IMO.) Her character arc was completed by virtue of her having a thought bubble at the end of the story, rather than taking action. The love interest was 2-dimensional. Why did he want her so badly? What was his issue, that required Jenny to be complete?
But I’m picky. It was a decent story that I enjoyed reading to the end (which was too abrupt).
Mom Moved Home
You really can’t imagine what your future holds. Flexibility and resilience are such important qualities when life throws you a curve ball.
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